What Does a Dental Implants Specialist Do?

A dental implant specialist is an oral professional with a majority of experience inserting prosthetics into patients’ jawbones. This person also has lots of additional training on evaluating potential candidates and surgically installing dental prostheses.

Now, it should be noted that the American Dental Association does not have an official category for dental implants specialist, but there are specific credentials that patients can look for that will point them in the right direction.

Finding the right dentist for implants

Here are some critical credentials and qualifications patients should be looking for when interested in getting an implant:

1. A periodontist or Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon

Here are two surgical credentials that are recognized by the ADA. These are essential credential patients should look for. Both of these specialists have extra training and experience when it comes to surgical procedures.

Oral surgeons have 4 years of additional training on performing surgeries after completing 4 years of hospital residency. These professionals are well equipped to handle procedures like wisdom tooth removal and jaw surgery. Part of the training involves surgically inserting implants and performing bone grafts which are sometimes performed before implant installation.

Likewise, periodontists receive three additional years of training after completing residency. They get extensive training on the insertion of implants. Periodontists also receive extensive training on performing gum surgery.

2. Prosthodontist

Here is another specialty that is recognized by the ADA and equips dentists with the tools needed to perform implant surgery successfully. These professionals get extensive training on dental restorations using devices like implants, crowns, and implant supported dentures.

Prosthodontists often team up with oral surgeons to provide a top-end experience for patients. Having an oral surgeon perform the surgical insertion and a restorative dentist taking care of the design, and the fabrication of the artificial teeth provides a high rate of success and a dental prosthetic the patient is happy with.

Why get dental implants?

Implants are the best way to go when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Unlike other prosthetics like dentures and bridges, which fail to address the bone tissue deterioration that is often associated with missing natural teeth, implants serve and function like natural teeth and their roots. This step helps to prevent bone tissue loss while restoring the person’s smile.

Other benefits of implants include:

• A permanent solution unlike other prosthetics like traditional dentures.
• Prevents remaining teeth from shifting in an attempt to fill up the gap.
• Feels and looks just like natural teeth.
• Cleaning implants are just like cleaning natural teeth.
• There is no need for a rigorous cleaning routine like the one that comes with traditional dentures.

What to expect during the procedure

Once a patient has been cleared for implants, a metal screw or rod is inserted into the person’s jawbone tissue. It is then given three to four months to form a secure bond with the surrounding bone tissue. A crown is placed on the external-facing end once it has healed.

Looking for a dental implant specialist? Schedule a consultation with one of ours today!

Request a dental appointment here: https://www.preferreddentalcenter.com or call Preferred Dental Center at (210) 822-8500 for an appointment in our San Antonio dental office.